During the winters of 2018, 2019 and 2020, the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ) reported an increase in the number of victims of snowmobile accidents. The most worrisome thing is that most of these accidents took place off of marked trails. Food for thought!
Although this extremely popular activity in Quebec is synonymous with fun, nature and freedom, it is important to remember that skidooing is a relatively dangerous activity, so it is important to follow the rules and regulations and to be properly insured!
To help you ride with peace of mind this winter, Assurances Multi-Risques has written an article that tells you everything you need to know about insurance for your skidoo. Check it out!
In Quebec, it is mandatory to have a liability insurance policy with a minimum amount of $500,000, even if you don’t use your snowmobile during the winter. But we strongly advise you to opt for $2,000,000 in civil liability coverage. Why? Because $500,000 is not that much if you are involved in a terrible accident.
You should also know that by joining the FCMQ, you can be covered by civil liability insurance for $1,000,000. This optional benefit will be offered when you join. However, it may be more cost-effective for you to decline this option and insure yourself for $2,000,000 in liability with the same company that insures your vehicle. Do the math! Or if you want to avoid having to shop around, lose time and calculate everything yourself, you can call an independent insurance broker specializing in insurance for skidoos and other ATVs!
NOTE: The Société d’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) provides no payment in case of bodily injury in a skidoo accident, except in a few specific cases involving a motor vehicle on the road. It is entirely your responsibility to make sure you have adequate insurance to protect yourself.
You have several options for receiving compensation to cover the cost of repairs to your snowmobile in the event of an accident. You can insure your recreational vehicle under a separate policy, or you can add it to your existing car insurance policy.
These are the protections that are available to you:
Collision and rollover: With this coverage, you are insured for damage to your snowmobile if you are at fault for the accident, if you collide with an object or if your snowmobile rolls over.
All risk (except collision and rollover): With this coverage, your skidoo will be covered against theft, vandalism and fire, among other things.
“Indemnity without depreciation” insurance: This protects your investment in the event of a total loss, despite depreciation over time.
Replacement insurance: This provides financial compensation for the purchase of another snowmobile of equivalent value (value on the day of the accident, not at the time of purchase) from the same dealer or the dealer of your choice, depending on the option chosen.
To see things more clearly and be properly advised on the snowmobile insurance policy that best suits your situation and the value of your all-terrain vehicle, the best option is always to talk to your insurance broker. Brokers are specialists!
First, make sure you maintain a good driving and claims record. In other words, drive safely! Increase your deductibles, and if you have more than one snowmobile or other recreational vehicle, insure them with the same specialty insurer to receive a multi-vehicle discount.
Have an anti-theft system or a tracking system installed on your skidoo. Above all, don’t give in to the temptation to reduce certain protections to lower your premium.
Become a member of the Fédération des Clubs de Motoneigistes du Québec and receive $1 million in liability insurance with your trail access card. But like we said before, we recommend that you check with your insurance agent or broker beforehand to see how much you can save.
And finally, contact an independent insurance broker who specializes in snowmobile and ATV insurance.
Be careful on the trails this winter!
